Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has said the Reds are in a good condition mentally and physically as they go in search of the first trophy since 2012 after booking their place in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup following a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday.

Rodgers is quoted in the Liverpool Echo, saying: “I said at the beginning of the season that the objective was to win a trophy, and so we want to be as strong as we can in every game.

“We want to play as many games as we can. It will be tough, but when you’re winning games it gives you energy."

The Liverpool manager has also hailed the strength in depth his squad possesses. After heavy recruitment in the summer which saw nine new faces arrive at Anfield, it took a while for the side to click but without Lucas Leiva, Steven Gerrard and Raheem Sterling at the weekend, they coped well enough with other players filling the void - and the side now has good options from the bench.

Rodgers is quoted in the Liverpool Echo, saying: “The first two years, we didn’t have the possibility to change the momentum of a game. This year, we are able to do that.

“It’s so important in the modern game to have a bench that can come on and affect the game. We have that at the moment, which is great.”

Next up for Liverpool is the Europa League, as the Reds hosting Besiktas at Anfield on Thursday night, with the demands on their squad about to become that much greater as they compete on three fronts by trying to win silverware and get back into the Champions League.

Ian Bolland

A journalism graduate of Liverpool John Moores University. During his time at university, Ian spent time on work experience at local newspapers in Liverpool, Bolton and Wigan, and prior to that he did work for The Observer's 'fans verdict'. Ian also has interests in news, current affairs and business but mostly sport, including football, rugby league, cricket, golf and Formula 1, amongst others.